This Carmenere from Chile's Colchagua Valley is another from The Wine Society. It's 14% abv and redresses my recent spending spree being only £6.25 a bottle. Amazing! Yes, it doesn't have the smoothness and complexity of a pricier model, but it's easy drinking and certainly makes for Purple Teeth. Mamma was pretty shocked by her blue tongue! You have been warned - this will require a good bit of toothbrush time, but it's great value, full bodied and very smooth for a bargain Organic wine. The over-riding flavour is plum, and it's probably a nice alternative if you're a Merlot drinker seeking a change.
Pinot Noir from Monterey in California by Hahn Family Winery (2010) is 14.5% alcohol, and a pretty deep red full bodied example of this grape, doubtless because of the Californian sunshine aiding ripening. It's available from Waitrose, at £12.99, though I was lucky enough to get this for £9.99 on the recent 25% discount offer. You might recall that Mr Purple Teeth is not a fan of Pinot Noir which he finds thin. This one blew him away. It could be the very ripe, almost jammy berry flavours, or the smooth full body. Whatever it is, I'm sure we'll be buying it again - this was not the first time of drinking it! You'll like it if you love flavours of mixed berry jam, wines that are smooth and velvety, and don't mind getting tipsy on one glass. Treat yourself!
This one was purchased and shared among some friends in José Sherry & Tapas bar on Thursday night after a tough day at Wine School. (Sorry I cannot recall the price, or alcohol level, and you probably can't buy it in a store near you but it's a fairly well respected Gomariz X Albariño from DO Ribeiro Spain). There I was spending the whole day tasting and analysing big cabernets, zinfandels and malbecs so in the evening it was great to have a delicious white, and a first taste for this region for me.. Crisp acidity makes this grape really refreshing. Sadly, I'm doing nothing here to prevent it's rise to fame and fortune and DO Rias Baixas Albariños are fast progressing to the pricey range. It is still possible to get just about reasonable versions in the supermarkets. Doubtless, one will end up here soon. Flavours are aromatic and include white peach, apricot with possible mineral finish. And as for José, it's definitely a tapas bar in the true Spanish style. Prices are sadly a little more "London", but we tasted several dishes and all were authentically prepared and delicious. I also tasted some excellent sherry and this is one of the few places in the city with a selection of finos, manzanillas, olorosos etc by the glass, served fresh and chilled as it should be. If you're ever near London Bridge or The Shard, it's worth popping down to Bermondsey Street. They don't take bookings and it does get very busy so early is good!
Bonterra 2010 Chardonnay (£11.99 from Waitrose) from Mendocino County in California. I've visited this winery and it's not just hype. They truly are trying to make their wines sustainably, with organic grapes and taking care of the local flora and fauna. While that's all very lovely - what the Purple Teeth public wants to know is, "does it taste good"? The answer is a resounding YES! I shared this among several friends as an aperitif to a large dance weekend. Several of the drinkers aren't exactly white wine fans, yet everyone seemed to really enjoy it. (Trust me, it was early evening and they weren't drunk yet!)
It's got oak - so if you're not a fan of oaked chardonnays it may not be for you - but it's very well integrated French oak, and gives just a delicate creaminess on top of the citrus, pineapple and melon flavours, not just a big punch of butter. Yes, there are cheaper chardonnays out there, but I am pretty sure I'll be buying this one again, and I might not share it next time.
Cheers!
It's got oak - so if you're not a fan of oaked chardonnays it may not be for you - but it's very well integrated French oak, and gives just a delicate creaminess on top of the citrus, pineapple and melon flavours, not just a big punch of butter. Yes, there are cheaper chardonnays out there, but I am pretty sure I'll be buying this one again, and I might not share it next time.
Cheers!
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